Nip ‘n’ tuck has transformed Lexus RC 300H into a hottie with superb sound system and aggressive styling

Unlike its more straight-edged rivals, the RC turns heads from all angles — with aggressive styling at the front, a jungle-cat silhouette from the side, and more bold lines at the rear

Road Test

Edited by Nick Francis

9 Feb 2019, 21:08

Updated: 9 Feb 2019, 21:08

HOW goddamn good looking is the new Lexus RC?

It might as well be Blu-tacked to the wall next to a squaddie’s bunk bed giving come-hither eyes.

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Its easy to see why the new Lexus RC 300H is turning headsCredit: Sebastien Mauroy

It’s always been a thing of beauty, but a small nip ’n’ tuck here and there for the 2019 model (model being the operative word) has kept it looking fresher than ever.

The opposite effect plastic surgery has had on Katie Price, then.

Unlike its more straight-edged rivals like the BMW M4, the RC turns heads with aggressive styling at the front, an almost jungle-cat silhouette from the side, and more of the same bold lines at the rear.

If you’re shallow enough to care only about driving the best looking car in the class, then there’s no alternative — the RC is prom queen.

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The aggressive styling of the RC is one of its most eye-catching qualitiesCredit: Sebastien Mauroy

However — and it’s a big however — it’s still not doing enough in other areas to contend with Merc, Beamer and Audi.

But let’s cover how it’s been enhanced in the looks department first. Lexus’ trademark L-shaped LED headlights are now housed in a reshaped bumper, to give more of a presence next to the gaping grille which affords the RC such a tough-guy grin.

Coupe styling is complemented by flared wheel arches which wouldn’t look out of place on a powerhouse two-seater.

There’s also a range of new colours, including a gorgeous sky blue. If you’ve got it, flaunt it.

Going inside the car is a let down. Anyone familiar with the outgoing model with have to squint hard to notice any changes. The console looks dated, the switchgear the same. It needs a revamp.

The middle trim level — called F Sport — adds manly flourishes here and there, while top trim Takumi is aimed at those who want luxury, which comes in the form of soft furnishings and lashings of leather.

The main selling point for this trim level though, is the superb Mark Levinson sound system. This can be bolted onto the F Sport trim and is well worth the money if you’re a carpool karaoke kinda person.

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The interior is a bit of a let-down, with almost no upgrades on the last model and a dated-looking consoleCredit: Sebastien Mauroy

As of this year there’s now only one engine available — further proof Lexus aren’t pinning sales hopes to this coupe.

The 2.0 litre petrol is gone so you’ll have to make do with the 300h — a dreary 178bhp petrol engine combined with a 142bhp electric motor.

It’s mated to a CVT gearbox, which makes the car feel gutless and slow-footed under hard acceleration, and you’ll be forced to watch Audi drivers waving at you as they sail past in a drag race.

This is the biggest let down in a car that looks the part and performs well in other areas.

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A reasonably roomy boot wont save this beauty from needing a much chunkier engine

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Steering has a healthy amount of weight, suspension is perfectly up to all tasks, and braking response is spot on.

My advice is to wait in the hope Lexus give us another RC F — a 5.0 V8 powerhouse in the same, beautiful frock as the standard RC.